Keeping Your Pet Calm At The Vet

If you have a cat, you probably want to ensure that it remains as healthy as possible. Even if you have kept up with the animal's vaccinations, there are other important instances in which you should take it to a veterinary appointment. Here are some situations that are often considered feline veterinary emergencies:

Breathing Problems

If your cat appears to be panting, coughing or having trouble catching its breath, it is best not to delay having the animal examined by a veterinarian. Without oxygen, the cat could lose consciousness and expire within minutes.

A feline breathing problem could be due to an object blocking the cat's airway or an allergic response to something the cat has ingested. Regardless of the reason for the breathing problem, prompt medical attention is needed.

No Urination

A common problem among male cats is urinary obstruction. The condition causes the cat to be unable to release urine. Not only is the condition painful. It can cause your cat's kidneys to fail. In addition, because the kidneys are unable to balance the levels of potassium in the blood, your cat could have a heart attack.

If you have a male cat who has not been urinating as frequently as it normally does, it is best to have the animal examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

No Appetite

If your cat decides to refrain from eating a meal or two, it's usually not a problem. However, if your cat's failure to eat exceeds a 24-hour period, there is usually something else causing the lack of appetite. Failing to eat or drink can be associated with a number of serious feline conditions, such as an intestinal blockage or failing kidneys.

Poisoning

If you know that your cat has swallowed a toxic substance, such as antifreeze, it needs to be treated quickly. Often, if you wait too long to have a cat treated after poisoning, the effectiveness of the treatment may be limited due to the damage that the animal's system has already incurred.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

If your cat has had several bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, it could quickly become dehydrated. Diarrhea or vomiting is associated with other health problems, such as poisoning or contracting a serious disease. By taking your animal to a veterinarian, you can help ensure that its kidneys do not shut down from dehydration. The veterinarian is able to offer the animal fluids intravenously and test it to determine the root cause of your cat's symptoms.

For more information, visit http://www.1stPetVet.com or a similar website.